For
most foundations, including the MFF, the impulse
to respond to a variety of issues is a never-ending
temptation. Yet with a four-generation tradition
of philanthropy, the Merck Family Fund's commitment
to preserving the environment and supporting low-income
communities has increased in clarity and definitiveness
with each year. While needs are ubiquitous, it
is clear that giving deeply, or at least pointedly,
in a few areas can produce results.
In 2006 the Trustees concluded that one issue
that needs to be incorporated into everything
we do is climate change. As citizens and organizations
it is impossible to avoid using energy and consuming
products. However, it is possible to increase
our mindfulness about our choices. So the Fund
is doing it’s best to adopt practices such
as buying recycled paper and offsetting our travel.
Now we are asking our applicants and grantees
to also think about this issue (and help us think
about it too!). What this means is that the Fund
will: 1) provide links to a number of educational
and practical resources (see Climate
Change heading on the left); 2) ask prospective
applicants about their climate-related actions
and carbon reduction efforts; and 3) provide support
to offset projects when possible.
With this new lens the Fund will maintain its
two primary areas of grantmaking - protecting
the environment and building community in selected
urban areas. While each have defined geographic
and topic priorities as outlined in this report,
we will always be fine tuning our goals in response
to the best approaches to effecting change. Sometimes
a combination of strategies works best, such as
in land preservation where easements, acquisition,
and sustainable forestry all play a critical role.
Resource protection and utilization are also becoming
less distinct, as the environment, the economy
and issues of equity are intrinsically woven into
planning and implementation efforts.
A focused approach enables the Fund to be proactive
on a variety of levels. Toward this end, the Fund
actively collaborates with other funders, participates
in strategic discussions and funds activities
that support an issue such as reports, studies
and technical assistance that go beyond a grant.
The Board has encouraged the staff to go the extra
mile to work with grantees to enable the exchange
of information and resources.
Our grants represent a variety of organizations
that incorporate different strategies, perspectives,
and contributions to their respective issues.
It is this richness of expertise and approaches
that will ultimately make significant and lasting
change. From a start-up youth organizing project
in Providence to a national advocacy effort to
secure land protection, the energy and optimism
for change is evident within each organization.
It is a pleasure to introduce and applaud their
efforts. We hold them in the highest esteem.
It is through conversation and action that our
learning occurs. We look forward to continued
dialogue and opportunities to support this important
work.
Jenny D. Russell, Executive Director
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